Duplex trigger-control device



June 17 1924;

E. H. MEDEN DUPLEX TRIGGER CONTROL DEVICE Filed April 5; 1920 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 'ILL' um;

I NV EN TOR.

ATTORNEY.

June 17 1924. 1,498;l86

' E. H. MEDN DUPLEX TRIGGER CONTROL DEVICE Filed April 5-. 1920 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 j INVENTOR.

33 ATTORNEY.

Patented June 17, 1924;.

UNITED stares PATEN ELOF IE. MEDE N, O1? ELIZABETH, KEV) JERSEY, ASSIGNOB T0 AMERICAN GASAC- CUMULATOR COMPANY, OF ELIZABETH, NEVZ JERSEY, A CORPORATION 05 NEW 7 JERSEY.

DUPLEX T BI GG-EB-eGONTR-OL DEVICE.

Application filed April 5, 1920. Serial No. 371,176.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that r, Eton H. Mnnn' v, a

subject ofthe King of Sweden, and aresident of Elizabeth, in the county or Union and State of New Jersey, have invented an Improvement in. Duplex. Trigger-Control Devices, of which the following is a specification.

My invention. relates to improvements by the employment of which either a single one of a number of guns may be operated or all of which may be operated simultaneously as desired. In some cases, astor instance in aerial warfare, it isde sirable that a plurality of independent guns shall be operated and fired simultaneously; also that it shall be possible to operate and the what I shall term herein thje primary gun independently of the other guns which I shall terin herein the secondary guns.

It is the object. of invention to provide. simple and efi'icient means extending from the primary to the secondary gim or guns whereby if desired the latter may be operated simultaneously with the primary A further object of my invention is to provide such means with a device situated in such proximity to the operatingtrigger or equivalent device; of the primary gun that one the, fingers of the hand employed to operate a trigger of the primary gun may be used to actuate the said device to operate or fire the secondarygun or guns.

stillfurther object" of my invention is toprovide means whereby in the employment of means" for operatingthe secondary guns all lost motion" between the said means and the trigger or equivalent device oii the secondary gun or guns is eliminated and avoided.

Other objects andadvantages of my invention will be pointed out in the detailed description thereof which follows or will be apparent therefrom.

In order that invention may be readily understood and its practical advantages appreciated, reference may be had to the accompanying drawings in which I have illustrated one embodiment thereof. However, it is to be understood that my invention is susceptible of embodiment in otherforms of construction than that shown.

In the drawings: Fig. 1 is a horizontal sectional view of a device embodying my inventiomportions of the gun butts; thatis, of the gtm'strircture, being shown in plan;

Fig. 2 is a view in side elevation looking toward the left in Fig. 1:

Fig. 3 is a. view in side elevation looking toward the right in Fig. 1; I Fig. i is a transverse sectional view taken on the line H of Fig. 3, the topportion of the butt to which the trigger is connected being, for convenience of illustration, indicatedin outline by dotted' lines; 1

Fig. 5 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line 55 of Fig. 2 the topporti'on ofthe butt to. which the trigger isconnected being, for convenience of illustration indicated in outline by dotted lines} and Fig. 6'is a hori'z'ontalsectio'nal view taken ion the line 66'of Fig. 2. i

In the drawings 1 have illustrated my invention as employed in connection with two gun structures, only the butts therefor berectly by the operator, while the other structure, termed or described herein as the sec ondary structure, is adapted to be operated by means constituting my invention.- However, as already indicated, the said means may be extended to and adapted for the operation of additional secondary guristructures aswill be apparent; a

In the drawings 1- have shown only the butt portions of the gun structures, it being deemed unnecessary to show the barrel and other portions of such structure, as such portions constitute no part of my invention. It will be understood that my invention may be employed in connection with gun butts of other forms or shapes and constructions tlianthatshown. f

Referring to the drawings: 1 designates a gun buttprovided with a trigger guard 2.

within which the trigger 3 is situated. This trigger is operated in the usuahway for effecting firing of the gun. v

Referring now to the particular features of the construction constituting an embodiment of my invention, 5 designates plates which are adapted to be secured upon the flanges of each of the plates 5 are adapted V gerguard.

'to project into the opening of the trigger guard as indicated in the drawings. The lower portions of the plates 5 extend below the lower side of the trigger guard 2, as is clearly indicated in Figs. 2 and 3'01? the drawings. j

The plates are attached and held in po sition upon the trigger guards 2 hy'spacer bolts 12. 13 and 1%, one end of each of said bolts being rivetedto one of said plates and the'other end of each thereof being secured to the other plate. by means of removable headed screws 15. By removing these screws the plates 5 may be detached from the trig- The plates't) are prorided with openings '20 n al nement with each other.

In the drawings I have illustrated my in- 'vention as applied to and employed in conihese nection with two gun structures. structures are connected together by means of a shaft-like member which. for the sake of lightness,preferabl is hollow. as shown in Fig.- 1. This shafts-like member consists of two parts, 21 and 22. the'outer ends of which project into the openings 20 and are rotatably supported therein. The inner ends of each of these parts 21 and 22 are serrated asindicated at 23. These serra tions are adapted to interlock as indicated in Fig. 1 and to he held together in inter-.. docking relation] For holding the ends of the parts 21 and 22 in interlocked relation I have provided the externally screw threaded sleeve-like part 2% which is permanently secured to the member 22 LC l.

jacent its innerend by means of spin 25. 26 designates a collar. secured to the other part 21 adjacent the end ther of by means of a pinQ'T. The inner ends of the parts 21 and 22 are drawn together so as toefi'ect interlocking of: the serrations or teeth 23 by means of a cap-like part 28 internally screw threaded for engagement with the external screw threads upon the part 24. The

closed end portion of the cap 28 is in engagement w1th the outer edge of the collar 26,}as shown. By screwing the cap 28 toward the right in the usual 'way, the parts '21 and 22 constituting the shaft-like memherextending between the gun structures are drawn together into-interlocking relat onshlp as shown. By loosening the cap part it will he understood thatthese parts relation to. each other.

set forth later on herein.

Said pin is from the opposing plates 5 by meansqot spacing collars; 33 as clearly shown in Fig} of the drawings. By providing the slotsand positioning the pin .31 therein as shown inig. 5 itis apparent that the collar may be readily. removed upon removal V of the outer plate 5. The collar 30 isprovided with a pro ection 35 which extends, in

a torwarddirection with respect tothe gun 7 structure, which projection is-adapted to Contact with a projection 36 situated inter? mediate the outer and inner ends of an auxiliary trigger pivotally mounted upon the spacing connecting bolt '14:. The auxiliarv rigger. 40 is retained with its prothe projection 35.1w reasonof the engagement of a projection 41 on said trigger with the torward'portion of the trigger guard 2,

r shown in Fig. 2 of the'drawings. The

said projection 41 extends upwardly from the pivot 0? said auxiliar trigger and con stitutes an extension thereof. The auxiliary trigger is protected by means of an auxiliary trigger guards?) secured at onefend to the spacing iection 36 in contact with the under side of 7 connecting bolt '13 andat' itsi opposite end to the spacing connectingbolt V J 1 1 The portions ot thelatter end of the liarv guard 45 whichare secured 130 3118 Ell bolt 1-2; are situatedupon opposite sides of the trigger 40 so as to retain the latter in' central position upon the said bolt and hold it in proper and operative relation with respect to the projection 35 of the (501121.120.

which the projection 35, the auxiliary trigger 4O andthe au'xiliarj trigger guard are.

.120 The member 22 is provided near its outer' end with. a collar which is situated 1n-- associated as theprimary gun structure.

1-15 convenience of description and identi-, 'fication referto the gun structure with side of the inner. of the plates 5 secured to the trigger guard 2 of the secondary gun structure; The said collar 50 is'secured to the part 22 to rotate therewith by means of a pin 51 which extends through the said collar and through slots 52 in the part 22, the

raesise 7 designates in are. rigidly secured to the outer end of the collar 50 which arm project s outwardly and radially with respect to the said collar and the shaft connecting the two gun structures. The outer end of said arm 53 is provided with a laterally and outwardly projecting portion 55 which should be situated in contact with the trigger 3 of the secondary gun structure, as is Shown in 3 of the drawings.

I The purpose of the adjustable connection between the inlier ends of the parts 21 and 22 of the shaft member is that the two parts 21 and 221 may be so adjusted as to cause the projections and 36 to be at all times in contact and also to causethe portion 55 to be at all times in contact with the trigger 3 of the secondary gun structure in order that when the auxiliary trigger is pulled there will be no lost motion between the said trigger 40 and the trigger 3 of the secondary gun structure, By the arrangement shown any movement of the auxiliary trig ger e dcaiisesimmediate movement of the trigger ortrigger's Scot the secondary gun structure or structures. 7 j

Althcugh I have shownbut two structures, the primary gun structure and the secondary gun structure, it will beunderstood that the device embodying my in- 'vention may be employed to operate an additional number of secondary gun structures, it being merely necessary to eir'tend the part 22 orother correspondiiig part beyond thefirst of the secondary gun structures and by providing between the first (if such secondary gun structures and the second of said structures an" adjustable construction such as is employed for connecting the inner ends of the parts 21 and 22.

While as shown and as described the priry un structure constitutes the outer- ]ki'hich attenuated the projection'35, the

most suaet m'sit aaa one end or the other of a series of such structures, it will be understood that the gun structure with auxiliary trigger 40 and the auxiliary guard and which I have termed herein the priii -try gun structure, may be situated between 1 the secondary gun structures so that the'connections between the prlmary gun-structure and the secondary structures will extend in hpposite direet ions from the former. V W In the operation of the device the operator should with his forefinger press the trigger 3, of the primary gun structure and if he desiresto operate the secondary gun structure he should simultaneously press the auxiliary trigger 40 with the middle finger. Bf. my invention I provide a device-which is arranged for convenience in operation and which is positive and eflicient in action.

The term gun structure employed herein is intended to designate any'form of gun with an iormef gun stock or butt; also form of trigger or other equivalent device for etfectingthe firing of a gun.

I claim:

1. In a duplex trigger control device, a plurality of gun structures each being proi'ided with a trigger to effect firing thereof, the trigger of one of said structures adapted to be actuated independently of the triggelr or triggers of the other structure or structures, and rotatable means connecting said structuresfsaid means being provided with a device situated adjacent the trigger of the first named structure by which it is adapted to be actuated and said means having a device or devices situated adjacent the other gun structure or structures which is or are adapted to actuate only the triggers of such structures to effect firing thereof.

2. A duplex trigger. control mechanism comprising means ertending between a primary and a secondary gun structure, a trigger for the primary gun structure by which alone the gun of said structure is adapted to be fired, a device situated adjacent the triggerof the said primarygun structure which device is adapted to be actuated independently of the trigger for the primary gun structure to effect actuation of the said means which extends between said struc-' tures, siiid means being provided with a device adjacentand associated with the secondary gun structure and being adapted to contact with and actuate only the trigger thereof to effect firing of the same.

3. In a duplex trigger control device, the combination of primary and auxiliary gun structures each provided with a trigger to effect firing of the guns otsuch structures, rotatable means extending between said structure's, an auiiliary trigger situated adjace'nt the trigger of the primary gun structure, means whereby movement of said ai1x iliary trig er effects movement of these-id means, and means whereby movement of "the latter actuates only the triggers of said intermediate the said auxiliary trigger and I the said member whereby movement of said auxiliary trigger causes rotary movement of the said member and the'said memher being provided with a device or devices which uponactuation of said member in one direction only actuates the trigger or triggers of the secondary gun structure or structures to'fire the same. 7

In a duplex'trigger control device, the

combination of a rotatable actuating member connecting and being in operativera lation with respect to a plurality of guns,

each of which is provided with a trigger,

an auxiliary trigger associatedwith one of =iliarytrigger, and the said actuating meinher being provided with means whereby the trigger or triggers of the other gun structure or structures are operated upon actuation of said member. I i r 6. In; a duplex trigger control dericeythe r combination of aplurality of guns each being provided witha trigger device for effecting firing thereof an auxiliary trigger device associated with one of said guns, bearings supported upon the said guns, a rotatable shaft supported in saidbearings and'extending between said guns, said shaft 7 consisting of pluralit; of parts rotatably adjustable with relation to each other, means 7 intermediatefsaid auxiliary trigger device and the said rotatable shaft for rotating the i5 latter and a tripping idevice or devices carried' by the said rotatable shaft which derice or devices isor are adapted to trip the trigger or triggers of the other gun or guns. 7. In a duplex trigger controldevice, the 40 combinationfo'f a plurality of gun structures ione of whichbeing the primary and the other or others being the secondary structures each of said structures being pro Vided with'devic es for efiecting firing there- 10f, bearing members detachahly secured to {and supportedupon suchstructures, a rotatable shaftsupported in said bearings and j extending between said stmictures said shaft comprising a plurality of parts, whichparts are adapted to be rotatablr adjusted with respect to eachother. means for connecting [the said parts together in such adjusted positious. anauxiliarytrigger associated "with the primary structure, means intermediate said auxiliary trigger and said rotatable shaft whereby actuation of said auxiliary trigger effects partial rotation of said rotatable shaft, and means carriedby said rotatable shaft for actuating'the devices for effecting firingfof the'sai d secondary gun;

structure or structures. 7

8. In a duplex trigger control device, the combination of a plurality of guns each beingiprovided with a trigger and a trigger guard, plates situated upon opposites sides neousl vv actuated, one of said triggersbe;

= gers for eli'ecting firing thereof, a rotatable 'to each other andme-ansrfor securing the; said parts together in :adiusted position, means intermediate the said auxiliary trigger and the said rotatable member where-- of each of said guards and secured thereto, said plates being provided with alinedopenings extending "therethrough constituting bearings, an auxiliary trigger device pirotally supported upon the plates'of one of said guns, a rotatable shaft-like member supported in the bearings upon said plates 9. In combination primary and secondary 5- guns; the sa d pr mary gun hav ng two" triggers associated therewith. oneoflw-hichj is adapted to effect firing of the said jpri- 7 mary gunfland the other of which is adapt-y ed'toefiect firing of the said secondary un, or guns only, and rotatable means inter-me diate the latter trigger and the said second-Q v ary gun or guns whereby upon actuationof the said latter trigger firing vofthe said} a secondaij gun ouguns is eflectedfl 10. In a duplex trigger-control "de vice ,j

the combination of primary and secondary 'l 7 guns. the said prunary gun being. provided with two triggers adapted to be simultaing adapted to'etr'ect firing of said primary gun only, the other of said triggers/being" adapted to efl ect firing of, the secondary gun or guns only. a rotatable member s'upported upon the primary 1' and secondary guns and extending between thelsamefsa rotatable member being adaptedto be actu-i i ated by the last mentioned trigger, land" means intermediate the said rotatablemember and the said secondarygun or guns whereby actuation of said memberleflects" firingof 'said secondary gun or-gunsg V 7 7 11.111 a cduplexqtrigger control device,

the combination otprimar v and secondary? V guns, the said primary gun'being provided with a trigger to efi'ectthelfirlng thereof and an auxiliary trigger, and the said secoridary guns beingl ,wise' provided with trigmember supported upon the primary and, secondary guns and extending between the same. said member comprising a plurality of parts'rotatably adjustable with respect by upon actuation of the latter the said rotatable device is partially rotated, and means normally in contact with the triggers of the secondary guns which means is adapted to be actuated upon actuation of the said rotatable member to actuate said triggers, and the said primary and auxiliary triggers associated with the primary gunbeing adapted to be actuated'simultw neously whereby simultaneous firing of the primary and secondary guns is eiiected.

12. A duplex trigger control device com prising a rotatable control member, hearing means supported upon the trigger guard of a gun structure for supporting a portion of said rotatable control member, an auxiliary trigger supported-upon said bear ing means and situatedoutside of the said guard, means intermediate the said auxiliary trigger and said control member whereby actuation of said auxiliary trigger effects' movement of said control member, and an auxiliary trigger guard for guarding and protecting said auxiliary trigger, said auxiliary guard being supported upon the said bearing means.

13. A duplex trigger control device com prising a shaft-like member consisting of a plurality of parts rotatably adjustable withrespect to each other and means for securing the said parts together in adjusted position.

14:. A duplex trigger control device comprising a shaftlike member, consisting of a plurality of parts rotatably adjustable with respect to each other, means for securing the said parts together in adjusted position, and means associated with said shaft-like member whereby a plurality of guns may be fired simultaneously.

15. In a duplex trigger control device, the combination of primary and secondary guns, a shaft-like member supported upon said guns said member comprising a plu rality of parts rotatably adjustable with respect to each other, means for securing said parts together in adjusted position, means for firing said primary gun and means associated with said shaft-like member whereby all of and only said auxiliary guns may be fired simultaneously with each other independently of the said primary gun, the latter being adapted to be tired by the means provided therefor.

16. A mechanism of the character described. comprising in combination a plurality of gun structures. gun tiring means associated with each structure, said gun firing means adapted to be actuated independently of each other, an auxiliary trigger device associated with one of the said gun structures and being situated in proximity to the gun firing means thereof and being adapted to operate only the firing means of the other gun structures, and a rigid rotatable means intermediate the said auxiliary control device and the gun firing means of the other gun or guns whereby the gun firing means of the said other gun or guns maybe actuated either simultaneously with. or independently of the gun firing means of the first named gun.

17. A mechanism of the character described, comp-rising in combination primary and secondary gun structures each being provided with means for efi'ect-ing the tiring of the guns of each of said structures, a device associated with the said primary gun structure and being situated in proximity to the firing means thereof whereby with one finger an operator may actuate the said means and with another finger actuate the said device which operates only to fire the guns of the secondary gun structure or structures, a rotatable shaft-like member extending between the said primary and secondary gun structures, said member being provided with means adapted to actuate the firing means only of the said secondary gun structures, and means intermediate the said device and the said member whereby actuation of said device causes movement of said member to thereby efiect actuation only of the firing means of the secondary gun structure or structures.

18. In duplex trigger control mechanism, the combination of primary and mcondary gun structures, trigger associated with each structure for tripping the gun firing mechanism thereof, an auxiliary trigger. associated with the primary gun structure and situated in proximity to the trigger thereof whereby the said triggers may be actuated either independently of ,each oth er or simultaneously, the said auxiliary trigger operating only to operate the triggers of the secondary gun structures, a rotatable shaft-like member extending between the said gun structures, said member being provided with devices for actuating the trigger or triggers of the said secondary gun or gun structures, and means intermediate the said auxiliary tri 'ger and the said rotatable member whereby movement of the said auxiliary trigger efiects movement of said movable member to actuate only the triggers of the secondary gun structures substantially as described.

19. In a duplex trigger control mechanisi the combination of primary and secondary guns each provided with a trigger and a. trigger guard, the said primary gun being provided with an auxiliary trigger having connection with its trigger guard, and rigid rotatable means. extending be tween said guns and mounted upon said trigger or trigger guards for actuating the triggers of the said secondary gun or guns. onlyand the said auxiliary trigger operating only to actuate said means.

20. Ina duplex trigger control mecha: nism, the combination of a plurality of guns each provided with a trigger and a trigger iliary trigger and the trigger of the other gnn whereby upon actuation of the said auxiliary trigger the said last named trigger only is actuated to efi'ec-t firing, of-the said other gun.

In testimony that I oleiin thej'foregoing lo V as my invention I have hereunto signed my name this 1 day of April. A. D., 192 O.

ELOF H. MEDE'N; 

